Title
Resolution to Participate In and Support Bid to Host 2029-2031 NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four Tournament (Resolution 22011)
Description
Request to authorize a resolution to express support for the region's bid to host the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Final Four Tournament in one of the years from 2029 to 2031, and to authorize the City's participation in the bid if Phoenix advances in the bid process as a finalist.
Report
Summary
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has requested a declaration of support from the City of Phoenix in the bid to host the NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four Tournament between 2029 and 2031. This resolution will express the City's support for the bid through the commitment of general government services (including: citywide operations liaison; ambush marketing protections; permitting assistance; public safety support/emergency preparedness; aviation arrival/departure cooperation; and provision of Fan Festival, Super Saturday Concert, Salute Presentation, Youth Bounce and Women's Basketball Coaches Convention venues).
The national semifinals and championship games would require use of the City-owned Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix as the competition venue. City staff and the Phoenix Bid Committee are currently working with the Phoenix Suns to reserve the Center for the requested dates. In addition, major fan-related events, lodging, and meeting activities associated with the tournament would also be held in downtown Phoenix. The tournament is held annually, and this bid is to host the tournament in Phoenix in one of the years spanning 2029 to 2031. If awarded, this would be the second-time that Phoenix would host the Women's Basketball Final Four.
In conjunction with the Phoenix Local Organizing Committee, Arizona State University (Host Institution), and the Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Phoenix), Phoenix was awarded to host the 2024 NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four for the second-time, and was awarded to host the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four for the first-time.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Inger Erickson and the Phoenix Convention Center Department.